Voters give nod to all school, local funding proposals on special election May 2026 ballot

OTTAWA COUNTY — It turns out – at least for local officials seeking voter approval – you really can win 'em all.

Voters across Ottawa County approved a series of school and local funding proposals in Tuesday’s special election, opting to maintain financial support for public services despite a modest turnout at the polls.

According to final unofficial results from the Ottawa County Clerk’s office, 30,068 ballots were cast across 63 precincts. The total represented a voter turnout of 19.02% of the 158,073 registered voters in the region.

The results provided a clean sweep for school districts seeking to keep their current funding through the renewal of operating millages.

In the Grand Haven Area Public Schools district, a proposal to renew the 18-mill operating levy passed with just over 71 percent of the vote. This funding is a key part of the district’s budget, paying for daily operations and helping the district receive its full share of state aid.

Spring Lake Public Schools saw a similar outcome, with approximately 72 percent of voters approving their renewal. To the south and east, West Ottawa and Zeeland Public Schools also secured millage extensions, with support ranging between 60 percent and 66 percent.

The trend of support extended into Ravenna, where voters approved a public schools bond proposal with nearly 64 percent support. Ravenna spills into both Ottawa and Muskegon counties, hence why Ottawa County voters weigh in there as well. 

In Holland, a sinking fund millage — used primarily for school building repairs and technology upgrades — passed with roughly 67 percent of the vote.

The evening's closest contest occurred in Coopersville, where the school district's operating millage renewal faced more resistance than in neighboring areas. The proposal passed with just under 53 percent of the vote.

Beyond education, local municipal proposals also won over voters. Zeeland Township residents approved a fire department pay millage by a wide margin, with more than 74 percent of voters backing the measure to support emergency services.

Public transportation also received a vote of confidence as the Macatawa Area Express transportation millage passed with just over 70 percent approval. The vote ensures continued funding for bus and transit services connecting the Holland and Zeeland areas.

For detailed information on all proposals, visit the county clerk’s “election night reporting” page on its website. 

— Heather VanDyke covers northern Ottawa County for the Ottawa News Network. Contact her at hvandyke@ottawanewsnetwork.org.